8 State Hurricane Kate

Well behaved women seldom make history.–Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Ratchet the dog from Iraq recently arrived in Minnesota. You’ve probably heard of Ratchet and former Sgt Gwen Beberg, who rescued him from a burning pile of trash and didn’t give up on him. Beberg, now demoted to Specialist rank, stood by Ratchet until she was able to ensure his safety and send him home to Minnesota. If not for Beberg, Ratchet would likely be long dead by now.

I have something in common with Beberg–a dog that I couldn’t leave behind. After Hurricane Katrina, I fought red tape to bring an old lost cattle dog “Kate” home to foster. I fought the bureaucracy and red tape of the HSUS, not the military, but I hit a very real wall. Like Ratchet, there were no guarantees for Kate’s well-being if I didn’t take action. Like Beberg I took a stand and didn’t look back. You might think I didn’t have as much to lose, but giving up on Kate would have been unbearable.

I doubt that Beberg was looking for publicity. Like me, she was probably surprised when she first encountered the dog, who sparked a simple awareness that grew into a powerful bond and commitment. Then the situation became a “problem” to be overcome. Knowing that a dog needs you and may not have another chance without you makes it tough to walk away, no matter the obstacles. A dog will be eternally grateful for whatever you do. Your efforts won’t be wasted.

Some people question spending thousands of dollars on a dog. But it’s not just about the dog. It’s about love and hope and caring about other creatures, caring about someone besides ourselves. It’s about being all that we can be, if we dare. It’s about being humane, if we can claim that, in the middle of a disaster or a war. For all the suffering and destruction around us, we see a ray of hope in making life better, at least for that one, even if it’s “only a dog”. In saving the dog, we’re really saving ourselves, or at least that part of ourselves that we call human. And maybe we create hope for another.

I understand that the military has rules and isn’t set up to be an animal shelter. Beberg has been demoted from Sergeant to Specialist. But she is a leader, perhaps not by plan or choice or title, but by action. In the real world, her courage and commitment are rare and priceless. I’m elated to see that love can find a way, even in a war zone.

Specialist Beberg, thank you for your service. Thank you for saving Ratchet.